A NATIONAL prosthetics service has been launched for veteran military amputees.

The service will provide amputees with advanced prosthetics designed to function as close to a natural limb as possible.

It will also act as a dedicated point of access to services including limb fitting and rehabilitation.

It is estimated there are around 66 military amputees in Scotland.

Health Secretary Alex Neil said: "It is only right that our veterans, who have risked their lives for this country, receive world-class services through our NHS.

"Scotland is already leading the way in prosthetic care and this new specialist service is a fantastic example of the NHS using innovative technologies to deliver 21st-century healthcare."

The service has been launched by the Scottish Government following recommendations set out in a report by Dr Andrew Murrison on NHS prosthetics for veterans, particularly those from recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The UK Government asked Dr Murrison, a Conservative MP, to review prosthetic services after concerns were raised by some charities that the NHS may not be able to provide services to the same standard as the Defence Medical Service provided by the Ministry of Defence.

Veterans Minister Keith Brown said: "In Scotland we seek to ensure that Armed Forces personnel and veterans who unfortunately lose a limb whilst on active service receive state-of-the-art prosthetics from NHS Scotland that match the standard of prosthetic limbs given by the Defence Medical Services."

Ian Waller, director of support and communications at the British Limbless Ex Service Men's Association (BLESMA), said: "We are encouraged by the clear message this sends to our members in Scotland; that their needs have been recognised, considered and are being addressed."